Yankees, Mariners have engaged in talks about Brett Gardner  —  BOCA RATON, Fla. — To further exemplify Brian Cashman's mantra that he is open to talking about any player on his roster, the Yankees have discussed Brett Gardner with the Mariners, The Post has learned.

World Series or bust?  That's not the way the Cubs are thinking  —  Chicago Tribune … After getting to the National League Championship Series this year, would anything besides a World Series be a disappointment for the Cubs in 2016?  —  “One of the hardest parts when you get into a period of winning …

Mariners Sign Franklin Gutierrez for 2016 Season  —  Given a chance to sign a veteran outfielder who can play both corner outfield spots, produce off the bench, mentor younger players and has proven to be on the upswing following a battle with illness, Jerry Dipoto didn't hesitate.

Reds, Diamondbacks discussing swap of second basemen  —  The talks provide more evidence that Cincinnati is ready to sell.  —  BOCA RATON, Fla. — Would second baseman Brandon Phillips leave the Reds?  This might be the offseason when we find out.  —  The Reds' trade discussions …

Padres Acquire Jose Pirela From Yankees  —  The Padres have struck a deal to acquire infielder Jose Pirela from the Yankees, Mark Feinsand of the New York Daily News reports on Twitter.  New York will add minor league righty Ronald Herrera in return.  —  Pirela had been a factor …

Sources: Lopsided trade between Pirates, Marlins was compensation deal  —  32m - MLB PITTSBURGH PIRATES MIAMI MARLINS + more

Braves To Re-Sign A.J. Pierzynski  —  7:13pm: Pierzynski will receive a $3MM base salary on his new contract with the Braves, reports Jon Heyman of CBS Sports (via Twitter).  —  5:23pm: The Braves and veteran catcher A.J. Pierzynski are in agreement on a one-year contract, reports Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports (links to Twitter).

Self-Sustaining System Is Stearns' Success Plan  —  Domingo Santana, one of four players acquired from Houston for Carlos Gomez, hit six homers for the Brewers after his callup (Photo by John Williamson)  —  MILWAUKEE—David Stearns knows rebuilding.  —  As assistant general manager …

Choosing the Nominee  —  In less than a year, the Republican Party will formally announce its nominee for President at the Republican National Convention in Cleveland, Ohio.  Our nominee will be chosen by primary voters and delegates, and each state determines the date and format of their own primary process.

Former Knicks draft pick Michael Wright found dead of head wound and covered in garbage bags in SUV in Brooklyn: officials  —  A man found dead in his SUV under a pile of trash bags in Brooklyn has been identified as a college hoops star once drafted by the Knicks, officials said.

GM meeting notes: Yankees face tough decisions, challenges  —  Making splash in free-agent market will be tough for GM Cashman  —  BOCA RATON, Fla. — The Yankees' refrain is familiar.  We lack financial flexibility.  We want to keep our draft picks.  We want to avoid going nuts in free agency, etc.

Yadi nets Gold Glove for eighth straight year; Kiermaier a first-time winner  —  Cardinals catcher Yadier Molina is named the National League Gold Glove Award winner at catcher for the eighth straight season  —  It's November, right after the World Series.  In baseball, that means it's the season when leather comes back in style.

Reds finally willing to trade Chapman, Bruce, others  —  After comments from front office, Cincinnati's direction is clear.  —  BOCA RATON, Fla. — The Reds finally are serious, finally are willing to trade closer Aroldis Chapman, right fielder Jay Bruce and possibly other pieces, too.

Latest On Tigers' Interest In Outfielders  —  The Tigers are looking to add an outfielder — preferably, a right-handed-hitting outfielder that could play every day — general manager Al Avila told Anthony Fenech of the Detroit Free Press (links to Twitter).